OUR VIEW: Toughen law on animal abuse

There needs to be tougher penalties on those found guilty of animal abuse. Mistreating an animal to the point of torture and stealing a package of chewing gum aren’t quite on the same level. Yet both are misdemeanors; maximum penalty: a year in jail.

Uticaod

Writer

Posted Jul. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 18, 2013 at 6:09 PM

Posted Jul. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 18, 2013 at 6:09 PM

In October 2012, Frankfort police found several dogs running unleashed, with an open door to a home filled with boxes, trash and feces. The two owners were charged with seven counts of torture or injuring animals, four counts of a dog at large without collar/tags; and five counts of dog at large.

In May 2012, a Utica man was charged with one count of misdemeanor torturing and injuring animals after police said he carried a puppy down the street by one leg and at one point also threw it down on the driveway.

In April 2011, a Utica woman was arrested on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals after two dogs, including a puppy, with infected wounds that officials said went untreated for a very long period.

That only scratches the surface. And Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara is absolutely right. There needs to be tougher penalties on those found guilty of animal abuse. Mistreating an animal to the point of torture and stealing a package of chewing gum aren’t quite on the same level. Yet both are misdemeanors; maximum penalty: a year in jail.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi co-sponsored a bill in the last legislative session that would have toughened penalties for abuse and animal cruelty, but it didn’t pass. Brindisi said some legislators believed the increased penalties were too stiff.

Really?

Research shows that many people who abuse children and spouses often began by abusing animals.

Animal abuse is reprehensible. We urge Brindisi not to give up his fight to toughen the penalties, and hope his colleagues get it right next time around.